AROUND THE WORLD!!

For all of you heading to Europe or America for the Christmas Holidays, the following is a list of Must-See's.......even if you can't afford to splurge, you can afford to ponder!!!

1. 'RODARTE' Womens. http://www.rodarte.net/ NYC

2. 'PETER SOM' Womens. http://www.petersom.com/ NYC
3. 'MINA PERHONEN' Womens/Textiles. http://www.minaperhonen.jp/ KYOTO.
4. 'BRUNO FRISONI' Shoes. http://www.brunofrisoni.com/ PARIS.
5. 'DAVID SZETO' Womens. http://www.brownsfashion.com/ LONDON.
6. 'TREIZEOR' Womens & Mens Ties Reinvented. http://www.impasse13.com/ PARIS.
7. 'GIAMBATTISTA VALLI' Womenswear. http://www.giambattistavalli.com/ PARIS.
8. 'A BATHING APE' Streetwear. http://www.bape.com/ TOKYO.
9. 'BOTTEGA VENETA' Womens & Menswear. http://www.bottegaveneta.com/ MILAN.
1o. 'TOM FORD' Menswear. http://www.tomford.com/ NYC
11. 'JONATHAN SAUNDERS' Womens http://www.jonathan-saunders.com/ LONDON.
12. 'BRIAN ATWOOD' Shoes. http://www.brianatwood.com/ DUBAI.
13. 'JASMINE DI MILO' Womenswear. http://www.jasminedimilo.com/ LONDON.
14. 'DOVER STREET MARKET' Emporium. http://www.doverstreetmarket/. LONDON.
15. 'DIOR HOMME' Menswear. http://www.diorhomme.com/ HONG KONG.
16. 'BUNGALOW 8' Emporium. http://www.bungaloweight.com/ MUMBAI.
17. 'HERMES' Womens/Menswear. http://www.hermes.com/ SEOUL.
18. 'FOUND COSMETICS' Cosmetics/Skincare. http://www.foundcosmetics.com/ MADRID.
19. 'POLTRONA FRAU' Furniture/Objects. http://www.poltronafrau.it/ FLORENCE.
20.'TOKYO MIDTOWN' A Whole Precinct. www.tokyo-midtown.com/en/ TOKYO.

Some of these websites are visually awesome, take some time to view them and discover

things you never knew existed. If you go to any of these cities, pop into the Stores/Stockists.

(Remember, we all have the right to.....and sometimes it's cheaper then going to a Museum!)
Credit Cards, Optional.

THERE'S NO OTHER STORE LIKE................

The Renovation of David Jones in the City is finally coming to fruition. No more entry/exit into the Queen Street Mall, access is from inside Queens Plaza. All the Old Brands are back, with New ones as well. Is that Jimmy Choo over there near the Louboutin's? And can I see a Tom Ford Counter, decked out like his New York Flagship? Yes, I can! Unfortunetly there is one thing missing, and boy, is it a dissappointment.

Where is the David Jones Foodhall?

Millions of Dollars has been spent Restoring the Old DJ's Building and Extending it into Queens Plaza, without even the sight of a Cheese Counter!! The David Jones Foodhall in Central Perth is something to relish in. Coffin Bay Oysters with a crisp Pinot Grigio. Fresh Seafood cooked right in front of you. Sushi. Chinese. Italian. And don't forget the Fresh Meats and Desserts to die for. The City is in desperate need of a Top Quality Foodhall, somewhere that does'nt scream FOODCOURT!! We need demonstrations from Maggie Beer and Christine Manfield and products available straight from Queensland Farms.....not to mention a guilt-free enviroment where you can sit back at lunchtime, have a glass of Red, while rocking your
2 year old to sleep!

I suppose I'm preaching to the converted or should I say...the Refurbished. Anyway, I suppose for now, we'll just have to keep making the pilgrimage to James Street Markets, which is'nt at all bad, it's just a hell of a commute for the Office Worker/Foodie in the City, and I am sorry, as much as we love good old Coles, it just does'nt cut it!!!

PREPARE YOURSELF!!

1. With Summer comes Holidays. Lazy days spent down the Beach, on a Boat, or in the Sack. Some of us will be at home, doing, well.......Nothing! Here is a collection of Books, Music and Films I highly recommend you read, listen to and watch over Christmas/New Year. Indulge and Enjoy!
   
   BOOKS:
   
   1. 'Gonzo' by Hunter.S.Thompson.
   Features hundreds of Personal Photographs of one of the Greatest Writers of our Generation.
   Introduction by Johnny Depp.
   
   2. 'LuLu' by Lulu Kwaitkowski.
   A Beautiful Book of Colourful, Dreamlike, Autobiographical handmade Collages, by acclaimed
   Artist, Lulu Kwaitkowski. A Great book for Escapism.
   
   3. 'Gold Diggers' by Tasmina Perry.
   The new Jackie Collins has arrived. Best read while poolside at Palazzo Versace.
   
   MUSIC:
   
   1. 'Standing in the Way of Control' by The Gossip.
   Beth Ditto kicks arse. The new Summertime Anthem Album!
   
   2. 'The World has Made the Man of My Dreams' by Meshell Ndegeocello.
   A sexy Album of Cool Dub Jazz, Slinky Funk and Reggae!
   
   3. 'X' by Kylie Minogue.
   As mentioned many times, this is high on everyone's list. Stand Out Tracks include; Like A Drug, Speakerphone and In My Arms! The 80's are Back!!
   
   MOVIES:
   
   1. 'Margot at the Wedding' Limited Release.
   A little unknown Nicole Kidman Vehicle. Jennifer Jason Leigh is amazing as always!
   
   2. 'The Diving Bell & The Butterfly' (In French) Limited Release.
   A True Story about Courage, Determination and Imagnation. Cry yourself a River.
   
   3. 'I'm Not There' Limited Release.
   A re-enactment of Bob Dylan's life. Mutliple Actors play Bob Dylan from Young Boy to the Man he is Today. Genius.
   
   So there you have it. I caution you however, the music I chose contains no Christmas Carols, the Books don't have Happy Endings and the Movies are'nt feelgood. But they are the very Best of what's in store for the Holidays......sometimes we need to be Provoked rather then Pleased!!!

IN MY OPINION.........

1. Cigarettes are the Worst Accessory to Own. Changing a Divine Outfit instantly,
you lose Credibilty and Fashion Points FAST. On the Upside, at least you'll have a fair idea
how you'll DIE!!!

2. Dreadlocks are a poor excuse for Bad Hygiene. Not the least bit attractive, they smell like
shit and look like something stuck to a dogs arse. Unless your Bangin out the Reggae or
getting into Character for a film, Dreadlocks are simply Passe'.

3. Collars should be worn DOWN! Having an erect collar is one of the Most Useless Trends
EVER. What's the Point exactly? Sun Protection? Cold Neck? So many men are members of
'THE COLLAR COALITION', it's Attack of the Clones all over again!!!!

4. If your shoes are scratched, scuffed, grazed, soiled, cracked or just damaged, it's time they
were put out of their misery. You can tell alot about a Person by looking at their shoes,
and quite frankly, no-one wants to be called 'A Five Dollar Hooker'!!!!

5. Bitching about someone behind their back, is a risky thing. What Goes Around, Comes
Around, and in Brisbane, that'll take 2 Days, tops!!

6. Dudes with Hairdo's. Now I have no hair, so maybe I should'nt talk, but this Addiction
is getting out of hand. MEN, PUT YOUR BLOWDRYERS DOWN AND STEP AWAY
FROM THE TAFT!!! Men should be Men, not some 70's Housewife Wannabe....if I had
a dollar for every male Carol Brady impersonator I've seen in the Valley, I'd be
able to afford that 'VALEXTRA' Luggage I've had my eye on!!!

7. NO-ONE DRESSES UP ANYMORE. I know it's a Comfort and Climate thing, but as far
as I know it, Designers create around the Season's. There's a time and a place for 'Ksubi'
and 'Sass & Bide', and it's NOT when you should be wearing 'Frisoni Finetti' and 'Cacharel'.
NOTE TO SELF: The Theatre and the Cinema are two totally different Places!!!!

8. There are too many people delivering BAD SERVICE in this town. I understand that
Good Waitstaff and Retail Staff are as rare as Ossie Clarke Dresses, but a simple Smile
and a "Thank you very much" would'nt go astray. Anything, just to ease the pain of a bad
Espresso or an Empty Water Glass will suffice. We are, after all, paying your wage. But I
suppose while Gen Y are making a fortune, it must hurt just as much being the Oldest
Kid on the Block!! You know who you are!!

9. Elizabeth Street Between Edward and Albert Streets opposite the Hilton,
should be partly demolished and refurbished. Restoring the old facades and
creating new modern spaces would be an awesome Invitation for Gucci,
Bally, Ferragamo and the like to set up shop. To Dream the Impossible
Dream.

10. Chivalry is Dead. End of Story.

BLOOMIN' DIVINE!

Next time you need Flowers, don't look any further then Perrotts Florists. Exquisite Bouquets concocted by Exquisite Gentlemen, Brian & Glen, along with their incredible team will arrange something exactly to your taste and budget, you'll be so happy, you'll end up buying them Flowers!! http://www.perrotts.com.au/

MAKING A GREAT THING, BETTER!

Before James Street was the busy thoroughfare it is today, one outlet stood alone. Harveys!
Thousands of Flat White's later, well known Chef PJ McMillan has taken charge and ownership and is revitalising this Inner City Institution. Make your way there as soon as possible, before the line get's even longer!! http://www.harveys.net.au/

IF WE BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME!!

Congratualtions to Donovan Hill Peddle Thorp for winning two Prestigious Architectural Awards. The 'Sir Zelman Cowen Award' for Public Architecture and The 'Emil Sodersten Award' for Interior Architecture, both for The State Library of Queensland.

Donovan Hill also also won The 'Frederick Romberg Award' for Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing - Cornwall Apartments.
http://www.donovanhill.com.au/

MAKE ME UP!!

For those of you who emailed asking for a Good Make Up Artist, I have two.
Renee' Chambellant - rchambellant@ourbrisbane.com and
Karissa McLaren - http://www.karissa.com.au/

Both Excellent in their Own Right. You need No Others!!

TO FAKE OF NOT TO FAKE!

Have you ever seen a really bad Fake Luxury Item? You know the one, the 'Prada' Weekender, spelt 'Prado'. The 'Gucci' Suit Pack, spelt 'Cucci'. Or a 'Louis Vuitton' short of a couple LV's. Today they are everywhere, and they are usually hanging off the arm of everyone from Housewives and Schoolgirls, to Celebrities, and the odd Businessman.

The Sale of Fakes is an enormous money making industry, and sadly the market grows larger everyday. People crowd markets in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Bangkok and even our own Backyard for that elusive 'It' Bag, which as we know, over time, will break, fade, rip and deteriorate before your very eyes.

I do understand the desire of Fake Items. Not everyone can afford the lastest Bags from 'Balenciaga', 'Chanel', 'YSL' and 'Jimmy Choo', but when your paying up to $100 for a Fake, would'nt it be better saving your money and buying something original from 'Oroton', 'Ginger & Smart' or even 'Mimco'. No matter how much you've paid for your outfit, if you accessorize it with Fake Bags/Shoes/Belts, your Style Thermometre drops dramatically. There is nothing worse!

The Experience of buying Luxury Items, is something in itself. Browsing through 'Dior', 'Lanvin', 'Bottega Veneta' and the like is something we all have the right to do, as is buying from these stores. When you purchase a Luxury Item, your buying into history. Your buying Craftmanship and investing in a type of Artwork.

Now before you begin to Criticise my Opinion, I have to say, it's not illegal for us to buy the counterfeit, but it is illegal for it to be sold. Money from Counterfeit Items support Drug Cartels and Terrorism. When you hand over the money for a Fake 'Anya Hindmarch' ''I'm Not A Plastic Bag" Bag you're also saying it's ok for children as young as 8 to work for little money in sweatshops. Their working conditions are harsh and the payment they receive is almost non-existant.....someone I once knew who bought many Fake's, tried to justify her addiction by saying, "well at least they are'nt being sold for sex, they're doing a trade", that's not the point and it never will be....and when did we all change our mind about Terrorism?

Obviously I do not agree with the 'Counterfeit Culture', but nothing I say will change anything. People will continue to buy pieces of 'Iconic Roadkill', to make a statment. To create a facade of themselves that is'nt entirely true. For those of you who have'nt seen THE REAL THING, Brisbane & the Gold Coast have many stores stocking legitimate Items that walk out the door because of their popularity. There are many people here who collect THE REAL THING, but there are still too many people in Brisbane attending Exhibiton Openings and Fashion Parties with Fendi Bags that are Logo-ed to death with L's instead of F's. And don't even get me started on the schoolgirls using the 'Louis Vuitton' Keepall Bag to carry their Pencil Cases and Text Books in!!

My advise is, save your money, buy something that you will have in your life for a long time. And don't worry about the seasonal trends, because you can begin saving again for the NEXT BIG THING, and at least you'll know that amongst the litter of Fakes in Brisbane, yours will be the Genuine Article, and that, will make you feel a whole lot better.


Note: Online Selling Websites are Graveyards for Fake Luxury Items. Be Careful. People have created entire businesses, selling Counterfeits. Buy at Own Risk.

For the Housewives, Businessmen and Schoolgirls who own Legitimate Items....your excused!

FAVOURITE THINGS. OCTOBER 2007!

Every Month I will Post My Favourite Things. I will include Website Addresses where Available. Enjoy!


20. Cannondale ON Bike. http://www.cannondale.com/
The ON Bike fully Encases it's Chain and Gears so you can ride Accident-Free
to work while wearing your Calibre Suit......oh, and it also folds up!

19. Furniture Designed by Rick Owens. http://www.rickowens.eu/
This American Designer has Designed an Equisite Range of Gothic-esque pieces. My
favourite is the Black Plywood 'Curial Chair'.
If your heading to Paris before November 3rd, Jousse Entreprise is holding an exhibition
of Rick Owens Furniture. http://www.jousse-entreprise.com/

18. Any T-Shirt from THE OUTPOST, 5A Winn Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.

17. Any Piece of Jewellery from Chelsea De Luca. Her 'No Regrets' Collection is in store now,
and my God, it's Divine!!
http://www.chelseadeluca.com.au/


16. The 'Make Up' Mirror by James Irvine for Danese Milano.
This mirror has recessed shelf for you to plonk your products on while you stare at
yourself endlessly! http://www.james-irvine.com/ or http://www.danesemilano.com/

15. Any Piece of Furniture from Japanese Collective LEIF.DESIGNPARK. If you can't
afford big things, then Beg, Steal or Borrow to get your hands on one of their Prized Concrete
Bowls called 'Kobachi'. http://www.leif.designpark.com/ My Favourite is the 'Lin Pod Bench' with
built-in Plant Holder.

14. Any Bowl, Plate, Tray, Dish from the 'Mud' Range. Available from KOVA, (Shop 9A) 23
James Street, Fortitude Valley. Just ask for Bianca, she's the Owner and a downright
Spunk.......My Other Favouvite is the 'Crucifixes' from Ethiopia......Bianca can tell the story
better then me!

13. Any Piece of Clothing from GRBAC. http://www.grbac.com.au/
The 'Alice in Wonderland' Dress from her 'Something So Right' Collection is in-store
NOW! Paul Hunt was'nt the ONLY one given a Standing Ovation at MBFF!!
Grbac, Shop 25A TCB Building, Valley Mall, (07) 3252 5525.

12. Favourite Website for October (and always) http://www.wright20.com/
Enter at Own Risk of Spending a Small Fortune.

11. A Studio Suite at JIA Hong Kong. Sit on Philippe Starck, Sleep on Philippe Starck, Eat off
Philippe Starck! 1 Minute to Gucci. 3 Minutes to Agnes B Pane Grille.
http://www.jiahongkong.com/

10. KYLIE'S '2 Hearts'. On High Rotation, until the Album 'X' comes out....next Month!

9. Head to AESOP'S first Brisbane Store for the 'Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish
Masque'. Aesop, (Shop GL35) Queens Plaza, Adelaide Street. http://www.aesop.com.au/

8. For all those Brisbane Businessmen wanting to Invest in Bespoke Tailoring on a
whole different level, then head to London. KILGOUR have opened their 2nd Store.
Stocking everything from Cashmere Cardigans and Selvedge Denim Jeans, there is
most definetly something here for every Man About Town. And if not, head next
door to their First Store for Suits and all things Dandy. http://www.kilgour.eu/

7. While your in London, check out Swedish Label TRETORN. Refined, yet Functional.
Simple, yet Statment Making. Available at Folk, 49 Conduit Street, London WC1.
http://www.folkclothing.com/

6. DEVENDRA BANHART'S new CD 'Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon'.
http://www.devendrabanhart.com/

5. 'I HEART NY' Mints from LITTLE JOE by GAIL ELLIOTT, Shop RW3, 23 James Street
Fortitude Valley. http://www.littlejoeny.com/

4. My Favourite Book this month is 'Charlie Harper: An Illustrated Life' by Todd Oldham.
I bought it from POP Books in Singapore, but I'm sure you can order it through
BORDERS. Go to http://www.ammobooks.com/, it's a great website for Book Lovers like Me!

3. Molly Shannon's new movie 'Year of the Dog'. Watch the Trailer on YouTube!

2. MISS SPELT'S Jam Drops and Caramel Crumble....Hunt them down, or go to Sassafras
in Paddington. They're made by a Local Girl who Remains Nameless. Look in 'The Good Life' in The Courier Mail on Tuesday 29th October!!

1. Vogue India. Congratulations to Editor Priya Tanna. The Indian Edition of the Fashion
Bible, knocks Vogue Korea off as the BEST EVER! And it's only AUD$2.90!!


The Best thing about having Favourites, is that there's always room for More!! Please, send your comments. Check out the Websites........My Favourite Things may turn out to be Your Favourite Things!!

2007 MOST STYLISH!

Although 2007 is not yet over, I have already come up with my Top Ten Most Stylish People Lists. They are in NO particular Order:

INTERNATIONAL LIST.
10.LAPO ELKANN/Head of Promotion-Fiat.
Always Dapper in Custom Made Suits, he has the Italian Flag Sewn on All His Shirt Cuffs.

9.ANDRES SEGURA/Model.
Euro-stud with style to die for....just like his eyes!

8.JENNIFER CONNELLY/Actor.
Unstoppable fashion Icon. It's scary how good she looks. Paul Bettany's a lucky bastard!

7.JONOTHAN WILSON/Musician.
Folk Singer who looks as good on stage in jeans or off, wearing velvet Sonia Rykiel trousers.

6. HAIDER ACKERMANN/Fashion Designer.
A Columbian Born, Reserved Genius.

5. KATE BOSWORTH/Actor.
A fearless fashionista on the front line and off duty.

4. SOFIA COPPOLA/Film Maker.
Style that is classical, yet bold and elegant. The Queen Master of perfection in more ways then one!

3. CARINE ROITFELD/Magazine Editor.
No explanation necessary.

2. RUBEN TOLEDO/Artist.
Can Pull off the Thin Moustache with Panache'.

1.JAMES FRANCO/Actor.
James Dean-esque, but with a modern twist. Urban Sexiness.


BRISBANE LIST.

10. BRONWYN ETHERIDGE/Instyle Interiors.
Wearing her Signature Black, Ms Etheridge is always Spot On.

9. MICHELLE ALDRIDGE/Hairdresser.
Always Eclectic, Never Tacky. http://www.shuum.com.au/

8. ELIZABETH CLARKE/Stylist.
A Sylist through and through.

7. AMANDA SHEA/Interiors Architect.
It starts with the Hair.

6. JOHN PRYKRIL/Fashion Designer.
Has a particular uniform, but being regimented has to be respected!

5.NADI HASANDEDIC/Retail Manager.
Tall, Dark and Beautiful. Always spot on with her choices!

4.THEA BASILIOU/Shop Owner-Blonde Venus.
Has NEVER had a Bad Fashion Day. Always Immaculate!

3.BIANCA THIES/Stylist.
The Epitome of Prettiness.

2.PHILIP BACON AM/Gallery Owner.
Even his Luggage is Neat.

1.JEN PLUMMER/Therapist.
Yummy Mummy who's a fan of the flat, but kicks arse in a heel. Simply Gorgeous!